Thinking Outside the Box: The Interventional Surgeon.

Advances in treatment of structural heart disease have been disruptive to cardiovascular surgery, and there have been discussions about how to incorporate these technologies into the surgeons' therapeutic arsenal. Transcatheter procedures, complex redo interventions, and endovascular aortic approaches are already practiced by cardiovascular surgeons in Brazil. The expansion of these techniques, coupled with recent changes in the country's medical residency program in cardiovascular surgery, has led to an urgent need to acquire catheter-based skills. In this article, we discuss these aspects in the light of the reality of cardiovascular surgery training in Brazil.

Thinking outside the box: the interventional surgeon

Advances in treatment of structural heart disease have been disruptive to cardiovascular surgery, and there have been discussions about how to incorporate these technologies into the surgeons' therapeutic arsenal. Transcatheter procedures, complex redo interventions, and endovascular aortic approaches are already practiced by cardiovascular surgeons in Brazil. The expansion of these techniques, coupled with recent changes in the country's medical residency program in cardiovascular surgery, has led to an urgent need to acquire catheter-based skills. In this article, we discuss these aspects in the light of the reality of cardiovascular surgery training in Brazil.

Myocardial Injury After Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement Versus Surgical Reoperation.

This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and clinical implications of myocardial injury, as determined by cardiac biomarker increase, in patients who underwent mitral bioprosthesis dysfunction treatment with transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) versus surgical mitral valve replacement reoperation (SMVR-REDO). Between 2014 and 2023, 310 patients with mitral bioprosthesis failure were included (90 and 220 patients for TMVR and SMVR-REDO, respectively). Multivariable analysis and propensity score matching were performed to adjust for the intergroup differences in baseline characteristics. Creatinine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTn) were collected at baseline and 6 to 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after intervention. The cardiac biomarkers values were evaluated in relation to their reference values. The outcomes were determined according to the Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium criteria. CK-MB and cTn increased above the reference level in almost all patients after SMVR-REDO and TMVR (100% vs 94%, respectively), with the peak occurring within 6 to 12 hours. SMVR-REDO was associated with a two- to threefold higher increase in cardiac biomarkers. After 30 days, the mortality rates were 13.3% in the TMVR and 16.8% in the SMVR-REDO groups. At a median follow-up of 19 months, the mortality rates were 21.1% in the TMVR and 17.7% in the SMVR-REDO groups. Left ventricular ejection fraction, estimated glomerular filtration rate, CK-MB, and cTn were predictors of mortality. In conclusion, some degree of myocardial injury occurred systematically after the treatment of mitral bioprosthetic degeneration, especially after SMVR, and higher CK-MB and cTn levels were associated with increased cumulative late mortality, regardless of the approach.

Evolução no tratamento dos aneurismas da aorta torácica / Evolution and treatment of throracic aortic aneurysms

Os autores realizam uma revisão, de característica didática, das aortopatias, focalizando o histórico, o desenvolvimento do tratamento e os aspectos atuais de abordagem, utilizando a alta tecnologia das salas híbridas. Nos últimos anos, graças ao desenvolvimento das técnicas endovasculares, ocorreu uma verdadeira revolução no tratamento, especialmente para as patologias da aorta descendente, em que procedimentos eficientes foram aplicados com acentuada redução da morbimortalidade. A utilização de salas híbridas e tecnologia de moldes 3D, permitindo endoprótese customizadas, constituem-se em avanços significativos a serem utilizados nos próximos anos e que mudarão os paradigmas de uma subespecialidade

The authors performed a didactic review of aortic diseases, focusing on the historical aspects, the development of treatment, and aspects of the current approach using the latest technology of hybrid surgical rooms. In recent years, thanks to the development of endovascular techniques, there has been a real treatment revolution, especially for diseases of the descending aorta, with the application of efficient procedures, resulting in a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality. The use of hybrid technology rooms and computer 3-D reconstruction technology, enabling customized endoprostheses, are significant advances to be used in the coming years, and that will change the paradigms of a sub-specialty.

Analysis of the Use of Extracorporeal Circulation on the In-Hospital Outcomes of Dialytic Patients Who Underwent Myocardial Revascularization Surgery / Análise do Uso da Circulação Extracorpórea na Evolução Intra-Hospitalar de Pacientes Dialíticos Submetidos à Revascularização Cirúrgica do Miocárdio

Abstract Background: Myocardial revascularization surgery is the best treatment for dyalitic patients with multivessel coronary disease. However, the procedure still has high morbidity and mortality. The use of extracorporeal circulation (ECC) can have a negative impact on the in-hospital outcomes of these patients. Objectives: To evaluate the differences between the techniques with ECC and without ECC during the in-hospital course of dialytic patients who underwent surgical myocardial revascularization. Methods: Unicentric study on 102 consecutive, unselected dialytic patients, who underwent myocardial revascularization surgery in a tertiary university hospital from 2007 to 2014. Results: Sixty-three patients underwent surgery with ECC and 39 without ECC. A high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was found in both groups, without statistically significant difference between them. The group "without ECC" had greater number of revascularizations (2.4 vs. 1.7; p <0.0001) and increased need for blood components (77.7% vs. 25.6%; p <0.0001) and inotropic support (82.5% vs 35.8%; p <0.0001). In the postoperative course, the group "without ECC" required less vasoactive drugs, (61.5% vs. 82.5%; p = 0.0340) and shorter time of mechanical ventilation (13.0 hours vs. 36,3 hours, p = 0.0217), had higher extubation rates in the operating room (58.9% vs. 23.8%, p = 0.0006), lower infection rates (7.6% vs. 28.5%; p = 0.0120), and shorter ICU stay (5.2 days vs. 8.1 days; p = 0.0054) as compared with the group with ECC surgery. No difference in mortality was found between the groups. Conclusion: Myocardial revascularization with ECC in patients on dialysis resulted in higher morbidity in the perioperative period in comparison with the procedure without ECC, with no difference in mortality though.

Resumo Fundamento: A revascularização cirúrgica do miocárdio é o melhor tratamento para o paciente dialítico com doença coronariana multiarterial. Contudo, o procedimento ainda apresenta elevada morbimortalidade. O uso da circulação extracorpórea (CEC) pode impactar de maneira negativa na evolução intra-hospitalar desses pacientes. Objetivos: Avaliar a diferença entre as técnicas com ou sem CEC na evolução intra-hospitalar de pacientes dialíticos submetidos a cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio. Métodos: Estudo unicêntrico de 102 pacientes dialíticos consecutivos e não selecionados, submetidos à revascularização cirúrgica do miocárdio em um hospital terciário universitário no período de 2007 a 2014. Resultados: 63 pacientes foram operados com CEC e 39 sem o uso de CEC. Foi observada alta prevalência de fatores de risco cardiovascular em ambos grupos, porém sem diferença estatisticamente significante entre eles. O grupo "com CEC" apresentou maior número de coronárias revascularizadas (2,4 vs 1,7; p <0,0001), maior necessidade de hemocomponentes (77,7% vs 25,6%; p <0,0001) e apoio inotrópico (82,5% vs 35,8%; p <0,0001). Na evolução pós-operatória, o grupo "sem CEC" apresentou menor necessidade de drogas vasoativas (61,5% vs 82,5%; p = 0,0340), maior taxa de extubação em sala cirúrgica (58,9% vs 23,8%, p = 0,0006), menor tempo de ventilação mecânica (13,0 horas vs 36,3 horas, p = 0,0217), menor taxa de infecções (7,6% vs 28,5%; p = 0,0120) e menor tempo de internação em UTI (5,2 dias vs 8,1 dias; p = 0,0054) em comparação ao grupo "com CEC". Não houve diferença de mortalidade entre os grupos. Conclusão: O uso da CEC na revascularização do miocárdio em pacientes dialíticos resultou em maior morbidade no período perioperatório em comparação ao procedimento realizado sem CEC, contudo, sem diferença de mortalidade.

Analysis of the Use of Extracorporeal Circulation on the In-Hospital Outcomes of Dialytic Patients Who Underwent Myocardial Revascularization Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial revascularization surgery is the best treatment for dyalitic patients with multivessel coronary disease. However, the procedure still has high morbidity and mortality. The use of extracorporeal circulation (ECC) can have a negative impact on the in-hospital outcomes of these patients. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the differences between the techniques with ECC and without ECC during the in-hospital course of dialytic patients who underwent surgical myocardial revascularization. METHODS: Unicentric study on 102 consecutive, unselected dialytic patients, who underwent myocardial revascularization surgery in a tertiary university hospital from 2007 to 2014. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients underwent surgery with ECC and 39 without ECC. A high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was found in both groups, without statistically significant difference between them. The group "without ECC" had greater number of revascularizations (2.4 vs. 1.7; p <0.0001) and increased need for blood components (77.7% vs. 25.6%; p <0.0001) and inotropic support (82.5% vs 35.8%; p <0.0001). In the postoperative course, the group "without ECC" required less vasoactive drugs, (61.5% vs. 82.5%; p = 0.0340) and shorter time of mechanical ventilation (13.0 hours vs. 36,3 hours, p = 0.0217), had higher extubation rates in the operating room (58.9% vs. 23.8%, p = 0.0006), lower infection rates (7.6% vs. 28.5%; p = 0.0120), and shorter ICU stay (5.2 days vs. 8.1 days; p = 0.0054) as compared with the group with ECC surgery. No difference in mortality was found between the groups. CONCLUSION: Myocardial revascularization with ECC in patients on dialysis resulted in higher morbidity in the perioperative period in comparison with the procedure without ECC, with no difference in mortality though.

Estudo da Fase Intra-hospitalar da Revascularizacao Cirurgica do Miocardio em Pacientes Dialiticos / Myocardial Revascularization in Dyalitic Patients: In-Hospital Period Evaluation

Fundamentos: Atualmente, a revascularização cirúrgica do miocárdio é o melhor tratamento para o paciente dialítico com lesão coronariana multiarterial, contudo a mortalidade e a morbidade hospitalar do procedimento ainda permanecem altas. Objetivos: Avaliar os resultados e a evolução intra-hospitalar da revascularização cirúrgica do miocárdio isolada em pacientes dialíticos. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo unicêntrico de 50 pacientes dialíticos consecutivos e não selecionados, submetidos à revascularização cirúrgica do miocárdio em um hospital terciário universitário no período de 2007 a 2012. Resultados: A casuística apresentou alta prevalência de fatores de risco cardiovasculares (100% hipertensos, 68% diabéticos e 40% dislipidêmicos). Não houve óbito intraoperatório, e 60% dos procedimentos foram feitos sem circulação extracorpórea. Houve sete (14%) óbitos intra-hospitalares. Infecção pós-operatória, insuficiência cardíaca prévia, uso de circulação extracorpórea, função ventricular anormal e reexploração cirúrgica foram os fatores associados a maior mortalidade. Conclusão: A revascularização cirúrgica do miocárdio é um procedimento factível para essa classe de pacientes, contudo com alta morbidade e mortalidade intra-hospitalar. É necessário melhor entendimento das particularidades metabólicas desses pacientes para o planejamento adequado das condutas. .

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting currently is the best treatment for dialytic patients with multivessel coronary disease, but hospital morbidity and mortality related to procedure is still high. Objective: Evaluate results and in-hospital outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting in dialytic patients. Methods: Retrospective unicentric study including 50 consecutive and not selected dialytic patients, who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting in a tertiary university hospital from 2007 to 2012. Results: High prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was observed (100% hypertensive, 68% diabetic and 40% dyslipidemic). There was no intra-operative death and 60% of the procedures were performed off-pump. There were seven (14%) in-hospital deaths. Postoperative infection, previous heart failure, cardiopulmonary bypass, abnormal ventricular function and surgical re-exploration were associated with increased mortality. Conclusion: Coronary artery bypass grafting is feasible to dialytic patients although high in-hospital morbidity and mortality. It is necessary better understanding about metabolic aspects to plan adequate interventions. .

Bentall and De Bono surgery for correction of valve and ascending aortic disease: long-term results.

OBJECTIVE: A retrospective study was performed in a series of consecutive patients who underwent a Bentall and De Bono procedure. METHODS: Data were removed of medical records and follow-up data were obtained from clinical records and direct contact with patients. A total of 39 patients were studied between January 1996 and December 2005. RESULTS: The median age was 47 years (range 14-70). There were 33 males and six females. Eleven (25.5%) patients presented Marfan syndrome and one (2.5%) Turner syndrome. Nineteen (48.5%) patients had hypertension, eight (20.5%) had history of smoking, six (15.5%) had history of alcoholism, eight (20.5%) had dyslipidemia, two (5.0%) had diabetes and one (2.56%) had myocardial infarct previously. Twenty-eight (72%) patients were in II-III NYHA class in the moment of the surgery. Annulo-aortic ecstasy was present in 14 (35.9%) patients and aortic aneurysms in 16 (41%). The median time in intensive care unit was 8.79 days with range 2-23 days. Four (10.0%) patients underwent an emergency operation and 35 (90%) elective. The overall hospital mortality was 5% (2/39). The event-free survival is 94.87% at 1 year and 84.61% at in 5 and 10. The median time of follow-up was 46.5 months (range 14-120 months). CONCLUSION: The Bentall and De Bono technique obtained excellent results in the short-term and long-term, which support the continued use of the compositive graft technique as the preferred method of treatment for patients with aortic root disease. Our findings confirm the current literature data.

Operação de Bentall e De Bono para correção das doenças da raiz aórtica: análise de resultados a longo prazo / Bentall and De Bono surgery for correction of valve and ascending aortic disease: long-term results

OBJETIVO: Um estudo retrospectivo foi desenhado tendo como fator de inclusão a cirurgia de Bentall e De Bono. MÉTODOS: Dados foram retirados de prontuários médicos e informações de seguimento a longo prazo obtidas por meio de retornos ambulatoriais e contatos diretos com o paciente. Trinta e nove pacientes foram acompanhados no período de janeiro de 1996 a dezembro de 2005. RESULTADOS: A mediana de idade foi 47 anos, sendo 85 por cento dos pacientes do sexo masculino. Onze (25,5 por cento) pacientes apresentavam síndrome de Marfan e um (2,5 por cento) síndrome de Turner. Entre os fatores de risco, listaram-se: hipertensão em 19 (48,5 por cento) pacientes, tabagismo em oito (20,5 por cento), etilismo em seis (15,5 por cento), dislipidemia em oito (20,5 por cento), diabetes melito em dois (5 por cento) e presença de IAM prévio em um (2,5 por cento). Vinte e oito (72 por cento) pacientes estavam em classe II-III NYHA ao momento da operação. Ectasia ânulo-aórtica era diagnóstico em 14 (36 por cento) pacientes e aneurisma da aorta em 16 (41 por cento). O tempo médio de permanência na UTI foi 8,8 dias, com intervalo de 2-23 dias. A taxa de sobrevida em 30 dias (intra-hospitalar) foi de 94,87 por cento (2/39). Em um ano, 37 (94,87 por cento) pacientes estavam vivos, e em 5 e 10 anos, 33 (84,61 por cento). O tempo de acompanhamento médio foi de 46,5 meses, com intervalo de 14-120 meses. CONCLUSÃO: A técnica descrita por Bentall e De Bono obteve excelentes resultados a curto e longo prazo, sendo eficaz e segura no tratamento de doenças da valva aórtica e aorta ascendente em nosso serviço. Nossos resultados são condizentes com dados atuais da literatura.

OBJECTIVE: A retrospective study was perfomed in a series of consecutive patients who underwent a Bentall and De Bono procedure. Methods: Data were removed of medical records and follow-up data were obtained from clinical records and direct contact with patients. A total of 39 patients were studied between January 1996 and December 2005. RESULTS: The median age was 47 years (range 14-70). There were 33 males and six females. Eleven (25.5 percent) patients presented Marfan syndrome and one (2.5 percent) Turner syndrome. Nineteen (48.5 percent) patients had hypertension, eight (20.5 percent) had history of smoking, six (15.5 percent) had history of alcoholism, eight (20.5 percent) had dyslipidemia, two (5.0 percent) had diabetes and one (2.56 percent) had myocardial infarct previously. Twenty-eight (72 percent) patients were in II-III NYHA class in the moment of the surgery. Annulo-aortic ectasy was present in 14 (35.9 percent) patients and aortic aneuryms in 16 (41 percent). The median time in intensive care unit was 8.79 days with range 2-23 days. Four (10.0 percent) patients underwent an emergency opertation and 35 (90 percent) elective. The overall hospital mortality was 5 percent (2/39). The event-free survival is 94.87 percent at 1 year and 84.61 percent at in 5 and 10. The median time of follow-up was 46.5 months (range 14-120 months). CONCLUSION: The Bentall and De Bono technique obtained excellent results in the short-term and long-term, which support the continued use of the compositive graft technique as the preferred method of treatament for patients with aortic root disease. Our findings confirm the current literature data.

Utilizaçäo da ecocardiografia transesofágica durante implante de endoprótese aórtica (Stent). Experiência inicial / Use of transesophageal echocardiography during implantation of aortic endoprosthesis (stent). Initial experience

OBJECTIVE: To report the role played by transesophageal echocardiography during implantation of self-expanding aortic endoprostheses (stent) at a hemodynamics laboratory. METHODS: Thirteen patients underwent stent implantation in the descending thoracic aorta with the aid of transesophageal echocardiography during the entire procedure. Indications for stenting were as follows: 8 aortic dissections, 2 true aneurysms, 2 penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers, and 1 traumatic pseudoaneurysm. RESULTS: No complications resulting from the use of transesophageal echocardiography were observed. In 12 patients, the initial result was considered appropriate, with total or partial resolution of the major lesion confirmed by a posterior examination. In 1 patient, the procedure was suspended after transesophageal echocardiography and angiography showed that the proximal aortic diameter was inappropriate. Transesophageal echocardiography contributed to clarifying relevant points, such as aortic diameter, anatomic detail of the intimal lesion, and location and size of the communicating orifice. In addition, it facilitated placing the stent in the target lesion, reduced the time of exposure to radiation and the use of contrast medium, and provided rapid identification of intercurrent events, possibly reducing the total duration of the procedure. CONCLUSION: The use of transesophageal echocardiography during placement of aortic stents seems appropriate. The actual advantages of the procedure will be defined in a comparative prospective study

Tratamento das dissecçöes agudas da aorta descendentes utilizando stents aórticos introduzidos pela artéria femoral / Treatment of acute dissection of the thoracic aorta and submitted to correction using the aortic stents introduced through the femoral artery

De novembro de 1997 a junho de 1999 foram estudados vinte e sete pacientes com diagnóstico de dissecção aguda da aorta descendente submetidos a correção utilizando-se os stents aórticos introduzidos pela artéria femoral, no laboratório de hemodinâmica. Os pacientes apresentavam complicações pré-operatórias e doenças associadas. A inserção do stent aórtico, sob anestesia geral na maioria dos casos, foi conseguida em todos, sendo que a prótese mais utilizada foi a moda de diâmetro de 2.8 cm em 18 pacientes e a moda do comprimento de 9.0 cm em vinte pacientes. Ocorreu um óbito precoce, por insuficiência de múltiplos orgãos, dois dias após o procedimento em decorrência de um quadro clínico complicado já na internação. Observamos febre em 22.2 por cento dos pacientes, provavelmente devido a uma reação inflamatória entre o stent e a parede interna da aorta. Em dois casos (7.4 por cento) houve vazamentos ao redor do stent, em outros dois (7.4 por cento) insuficiência renal transitória, em outros dois (7.4 por cento) isquemia de membro inferior escolhido para passagem do cateter e por fim em um (3.7 por cento) infecção do cateter de diálise peritoneal. Na evolução tardia, ocorreram dois óbitos, o primeiro com quatro meses de implante do stent e se deu subitamente após a paciente ter passado pelo nosso ambulatório uma semana antes sem nenhum sinal de que algo estava errado. No segundo caso, a infecção foi a causa do óbito ocorrida vinte e cinco dias após uma operação para correção de uma expansão importante da falsa luz ocorrida junto da porção distal do stent. Esta complicação, foi diagnosticada durante a realização de exames de rotina, nove meses após a inserção do stent. A curva de sobrevivência atuarial mostra que 80 por cento dos pacientes estäo vivos no final de trita e dois meses e que estäo livres de eventos näo fatais 90 por cento dos casos no mesmo período. A conclusäo, após a análise destes resultados é a de que esta nova técnica determinou benefícios para estes pacientes graves à curto prazo, sendo necessário um período de tempo maior de observaçäo para sabermos se estes resultados säo constistentes

Revascularizaçäo cirúrgica do miocárdio sem utilizaçäo do circuito extracorpóreo em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio tratados previamente com estreptoquinase intravenosa / Myocardial revascularization without the use of extracorporeal circuit in patients with acute myocardial infaction previously treated with intravenous streptokinase

A utilizaçao de agentes trombolíticos nas primeiras horas do infarto agudo do miocárdio tem sido aceita como um dos principais métodos de limitar-se a extensao do infarto. Entretanto a persistência de estenose residual necessita de um método complementar de revascularizaçao. Em nosso Serviço, temos realizado a revascularizaçao cirurgica do miocárdio sem utilizaçao do circuito extracorpóreo de modo eletivo, com bons resultados. Utilizamos o método em 25 pacientes com diagnóstico de infarto agudo do miocárdio tratados dentro de seis horas do início dos sintomas com estreptoquinase intravenosa e um a 21 dias após (média de oito dias) a revascularizaçao cirúrgica sem a utilizaçao do circuito extracorpóreo. A média de idade do grupo foi de 53,8 anos, sendo a média da fraçao de ejeçao medida pelo método de Dodge de 60 por cento; dez pacientes eram uniarteriais, 14 biarteriais e um triarterial, em 15 pacientes, o infarto localizava-se em parede anterior e em dez em parede posterior. Oito pacientes receberam uma ponte e 17, duas pontes. Em 15 casos utilizou-se a artéria torácica interna. A mortalidade hospitalar foi 0 por cento e em nenhum caso houve necessidade de reoperaçao por sangramento. A revascularizaçao cirúrgica do miocárdio sem a utilizaçao do circuito extracorpóreo é, pois, uma opçao tática que pode ser utilizada em alguns pacientes com esse tipo de doença, com excelentes resultados em termos de morbidade e mortalidade hospitalares.